Taking your bra off at the end of the day feels great. And so does getting your breast screening sorted.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in England, the chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older. Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself – it saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK.
Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years. You’ll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.
Finding cancer early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful. Breast screening can detect cancer long before you can even feel it. Or more likely, put your mind at rest. So when you’re invited, save the date, it could save your life.
An open letter to all women invited for breast screening
‘Breast screening might just save your life’.
Ten women each share their personal perspectives on the importance of attending your breast screening appointment through their own ‘unofficial’ invitation letters.
So, when you’re invited, save the date. It could save your life.
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/breast to find more.
A message from Calderdale Health Professionals
Pennine GP Alliance have a Cancer Care programme, funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, to drive quality improvement of cancer pathways throughout Calderdale. Visit this webpage to find out more about Breast Screening in Calderdale.
A message from Leanne, a patient at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust who received Breast surgery.
Did you see Leanne on BBC One Show talking about her care and treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer?
In this video, find out how Leanne’s doing and hear her important message about booking that appointment when you’re invited to breast screening.
Thank you to Leanne for sharing her story. If you’ve recently been invited to a breast screening appointment, get that date in your diary. It could save your life.
What is breast screening?
- Breast screening uses X-rays called mammograms to check your breasts for signs of cancer.
- It’s done by female health specialists called mammographers.
- Breast screening services are more accessible than ever. As well as hospitals, mobile screening vans are available in convenient community locations, such as supermarket car parks.
Why is breast screening offered?
- Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in England. The chance of getting breast cancer increases as you get older.
- Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that is too small to feel or see yourself.
- Breast screening saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK. Finding cancer early can make it more likely that treatment will be successful.
- When diagnosed at the earliest stage, 98% of women survive their breast cancer for 5 years or more.
Who’s invited for breast screening?
- Anyone registered with a GP as female aged from 50 up to their 71st birthday will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you.
- You’ll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you’ll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.
- You need to be registered with a GP practice to be invited for breast screening.
- If you have not been invited for breast screening by the time you are 53 and think you should have been, contact your local breast screening service. Find your local breast screening service.
- If you have been invited for breast screening but missed or did not book an appointment you can still contact your local NHS breast screening service to arrange one, even if you were invited weeks, months or years ago.
What happens at your breast screening appointment?
- Before starting, the mammographer will check your details with you and ask if you have had any breast problems. You can talk to her about any concerns you have – she will do everything she can to make
the experience as comfortable as possible for you. They will also explain what will happen during the screening and answer any questions. - To have a mammogram, you need to undress to the waist. So it may be easier to wear a skirt or trousers instead of a dress.
- During breast screening you’ll have 4 breast X-rays (mammograms), 2 for each breast.
- Screening can be uncomfortable for some women, but this usually passes quickly
- The mammograms only take a few minutes. The whole appointment should take about 30 minutes.
- Your breast screening results will be posted to you, usually within 2 weeks of your appointment.
- Even if your breast screening shows no sign of breast cancer, it’s important to check your breasts between mammograms and contact your GP practice if you notice any changes.
